Sometime we have diplomatic message. At times; one may give a geo-strategic message. But this time - three key global powers, Russia, India and China - that is the RIC - gave a rather Telling message.
It is clear now the significance of RIC and also BRICS has increased manifold in the contemporary setting. PM Narendra Modi and two Presidents Vladimir Putin and X Jiniping from the venue of SCO Summit in Kyrgyz capital have sought to give a clear message to the western powers that all these three countries and some others have 'certain better options'.
The powerful message also came at the cost of Pakistan - whose Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (known for bowing to Donald Trump and also his own 'defeated' army General) cut a sorry figure in the crowd.
His desperation to draw attention from Putin was a telling picture that how much 'irrelevant' one can be in this world for being a blind stooge to the Americans. Shehbaz himself and his 'jocularly designated Field Marshal' might have thought they are doing great by brokering peace between Iran and the US.
But all these have come a cropper. We have seen such 'handshakes' in 2025 Beijing also. But by repeating the same gestures; these three world leaders have taken the role of RIC to a higher scale.
In fact, even a few years back there was hostility between India and China over Galwan. The US had seized upon the 'tension' to cultivate its close ties with Narendra Modi and India further. Of course, it ha reasons to view India as a critical counterweight to China’s rise.
But Trump changed everything in 2025. As the refrain goes; Trump’s own foreign policy position has accelerated something of a geopolitical repositioning.
The US, once seen as an unshakable ally to India, is now viewed as a hostile adversary and a turbulent player.
Hence, Modi and Xi Jinping applied brakes and corrective measures. Putin has been a friendly protagonist to both for different reasons.
Thus, came as overt displays of 'intimacy' - first in 2025 and now this year too.
Russia pool shared the video of three leaders chatting and gesturing - with the caption: “Strategic alignment: Russia-India-China.”
This snap and the signaling actually marks the importance of RIC and the BRICS factor in today's diplomacy.
All three clutched one another’s hands smilingly and also affectionately. Heads shaking in agreement and thrown back in jovial smile. Modi stood like an old friend and Putin and Xi walked smilingly towards him as 'old pals'. PM Narendra Modi right hand to Xi and grabbed Putin by his left hand.
Message perfect !!
In the given situation, the three countries have a lot to gain from 'bettering' their mutual ties. Vladimir Putin needs friends like Indian Prime Minister and the Chinese President since his 'war' with Ukraine is going 'endless'. From New Delhi's perspective; much of India’s manufacturing is dependent on materials and rare earths from China.
Beijing can gain economically if it regains access to India’s market and there is strategic benefits from friendship with Moscow.
In geo-politics, you do not stand static. There was Doklam and also Galwan. But both Xi and Modi have been pragmatic and have started moving forward. Thus, high level parleys are on. It goes without stating that the friendly scenes between Chinese Prez and Indian PM was difficult to imagine even in 2024 or beginning of 2025.
During Operation Sindoor, China was visibly with Pakistan. Nevertheless, India caused enough damage to its western neighbour. Things could have been only worse; had China stood aloof.
Going into details; we can point out at double tariffs on India, which Trump announced.
Modi stood by his ground and repeatedly refused to credit the US president with 'halting' war between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
But still there is need to be caution. Any grand rapprochement happening between India and China is still too early.
The trust deficit is a vital element in ties between New Delhi and Beijing and there are legacy issues.
Many also believe -both the leaderships ay come under 'enough domestic pressure' points that will keep the relationship blow hot and blow cold.
Nevertheless, a good beginning has been made in 2025. It has been taken at a higher scale in SCO Summit. Coming BRICS meet in Delhi when Narendra Modi will host both Xi and Putin is the next big thing to happen in diplomacy.
Ends
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